Could You Use Some Encouragement Today?

If you have a few moments to spare, take a look at this video.  My high-school aged nephew shared it with me.  He recently saw it at Youth Camp.  It's an awesome, moving message, and one that will encourage you today.  Blessings friends.  Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. 

Tulips!!

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!  I worked in the yard for hours yesterday, weeding, cleaning up mulch beds, trimming, etc.  Needless to say, the muscles are feeling it, but that's alright.  The Lord couldn't have given a more perfect day for that kind of work...not a cloud in the sky, cool and breezy -- it was glorious!  He and I had a great day together.  Don't you find times like that wonderful for thinking, praying, listening and reflecting?   

I had taken these photos last Saturday, as I knew the tulips wouldn't last much longer.  I have had so much fun with them...from the anticipation of watching for the first one to pop through the soil, to the excitement the day I noticed not one, but 20-something of them!  I began calling them "my babies."  Every day I walked down our sidewalk, or pulled the car into the garage, I'd look at them growing and it never failed to make me smile.  I'd often say, "grow babies, grow!"  My hubby even started saying..."Did you see your babies, today?"  How incredibly beautiful and perfect that they began blooming on Easter Sunday.  I have enjoyed their brilliant color and beauty every day since then. 

Flowers have always fascinated me.  Such a beautiful reward for the hopeful heart who plants a seed and shows some love.  That is to say nothing, of course, of their incredible display of God's creativity.  

April Gifts

Your dawn of sunshine does impart
The warmth of spring upon my heart. 
Forsythia sprays its radiant hue
Against your sky of cloudless blue.
Rows of tulips on the lawn
Sparkle as they stretch and yawn.

And as we mark the moving hours,

Clouds roll in with sudden showers. 
But not with sky too dark to be
Without some hope for all to see
At the very end of day
The sun peek through to leave its rays.

O April day, you seem to know

How to coax the flowers to grow.
Your sun and moisture in good measure
Give another spring to treasure. 

~ Elaine B. Porter

(from Ideals Magazine)

Happy Birthday Brooke!!!

Today, I want to wish a very special birthday to my oldest niece, Brooke.  It's a big one -- the big 18!! 

She's a very busy high school senior, working hard to "finish well."  For several years now, her plan has been to pursue a pre-law degree, and then attend law school.  She's always been extremely smart...never once below a 4.0 average, in her entire life!  Her discipline and desire to do her best (even from a very young age) is second to none. 

Brooke is the oldest of my sister and brother-in-law's five children, so you can imagine what an enormous help she is (and always has been).  Her siblings couldn't ask for a better "big sister" and they know it.  She and my sister have always been extra close. 

In addition, she shares a very special relationship with her Grandparents (my parents)...especially her Grandpa.  Last year, when asked to write about her "hero," she wrote about him. She has a great heart for God and is a definite bright spot in our family! Not only that, she is an absolute blast to be around.  (Family gatherings are always made more fun by her hilarious and crazy antics, not to mention her contagious laugh!)   

Brookie, (have to take advantage as I know I won't be able to call you this much longer...)  We love you dearly and we're so proud of you!!!  Thank you for all the joy and happiness you bring into our lives (and others, too!)  We wish you a very joyous birthday, filled with every blessing you desire!  XOXO

Lessons from a Tandem & a Precious Old Friend

Have you ever ridden a tandem (or two-seater) bike?  Believe it or not, I spent a good bit of time riding one in my young life, but hadn't thought about that for quite some time.  Not long ago, I happened to hear Chuck Swindoll share a story that captivated my attention and brought memories flooding back to my mind.  It's called "A Bike Ride with God" and its original author is unknown.

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At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like the president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable ... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, and it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal." I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we're off again. He said, "Give the gifts away, they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him at first, to be in control of my life, I thought He would wreck it; But He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He smiles and says ... "Pedal."

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This is a powerful lesson for anyone, don't you think?  Let me tell you why I found it especially meaningful. 

My childhood best friend, Danny had a sister who was blind.  Diana absolutely loved adventure of any kind.  One of the things she had always dreamed of was riding bikes with Danny.  Around the time he and  I were in middle school, their parents found and purchased a tandem bike.  She could not wait to take a ride, so the moment it was unloaded from their station wagon, they were off.  Soon they returned and asked me to join them -- this time Danny on his bike, Diana and I on the tandem.  We had an absolute blast!  Diana, who was about 20 years old by this time, was in her element.  She'd say "Let's pedal faster!" and we would.  (In fact, we often went faster than I thought that bike could go!  ) 

Our neighborhood had a few twists and hills, which she especially loved -- the more adventurous the ride, the better.  I remember glancing back at her once as we were flying down one of those hills.  She was squealing with delight, positively beaming with her feet sticking straight out to either side.  It was pure, complete, unbridled joy.  One of those moments forever etched in my heart.

As you can imagine, I couldn't help but think of Diana and re-live those memories as I heard the story, but its significance doesn't stop there. 
 
It occurred to me that all my years of riding the tandem found me in the front position.  Diana, whose blindness prevented her from ever being the one who steered or controlled the bike, was always so very happy and eager to simply pedal and enjoy.  She never once appeared to give thought to wanting to be the one in control, nor did she ever seem fearful of her safety.  Instead, she embraced the ride wherever it lead, with great joy, passion and complete trust. 
 
Something else that will delight you about Diana?  She sought her relationship with the Lord the very same way. I met her when I was 5 years old, and my earliest and most recurrent memory is her sitting on their front porch, reading one of many volumes of her Braille Bible, grinning from ear to ear.  If you asked her what she was reading...she'd say "the Bible...the greatest story ever told!" 

As you can imagine, she had quite an impact on my life...an eternal one, in fact.  You see it was Diana, who (with great joy) lead me to the Lord.

Dear Father, Thank you for reminding me of Diana's exuberant faith -- joyful, passionate, humble and completely trusting in You and Your will.  I'm so grateful for her influence in my life.  She truly made knowing You irresistible.   

Happy Easter!

It is my hope and prayer that more than anything else, today finds you rejoicing in the hope we have in Christ, through His unspeakable sacrifice for all, and triumph over the grave...He Lives!!!

Wonderful Easter Object Lessons for Children

Many of you have heard of Resurrection Cookies.  If you were reading the blog last year, you may remember I shared the recipe and instructions on how to use them as you share The Easter Story.

Well, earlier this week, while visiting my friend, Jennifer of the wonderful blog, Smelling Coffee, I learned of yet another special object lesson.  Resurrection Rolls!  A fascinating illustration of the empty tomb.  Please take a moment and visit to learn about this very creative idea. 

Maybe you have older children. You will want to check out Jennifer's post today, sharing a wonderful devotional idea for your older children or teens. 

One last thing, she shared the Jelly Bean Prayer. 

Using her post, I typed up the prayer, attached it to small cellophane bags of jelly beans and gave them to my Bible study girls today (Sorry...I forgot to take a photo before distributing them!)  They absolutely loved them and some planned to make them with their grandchildren. 

I created the color coded prayer card on Microsoft Word, but I'm unsure how to link it to my blog. I would be happy to send it to you via e-mail...just leave your e-mail address in a comment.    

Special thanks to Jennifer for such wonderful and creative ideas to illustrate The Easter Story!

Long Overdue Thanks

With all the recent talk on my blog about giveaways, I realized I have two very long overdue Thanks to share. 

Last month, I won two different giveaways just a couple of days apart!  First, a wonderful vinyl wall phrase  that reads "Every Day is a Gift" from As Time Goes By, a blog written by sisters Victoria & Christina.  I've wanted one of these for over a year, so you can imagine how happy I was to have won!  I'm still trying to decide exactly where I plan to place it (and since the whole house is due for a fresh painting...it will have to wait a little longer to actually go up on the wall!)  Thank you so much Victoria & Christina! 

If you enjoy thrifting/repurposing/decorating & photography (not to mention meeting really sweet ladies!), pay them a visit. Bet you'll like it, too!

A couple of days later, I was visiting TidyMom, a really fun blog devoted to baking, creating, mothering and yes, tidiness.  She was sharing a wonderful cherry dessert that was made in a heart-shaped pan.  At the end of her post, she mentioned that she was giving away several Wilton Heart-Shaped Pans.  I entered and lo and behold, I won there as well!  Thanks so much TidyMom! 

My initial plan was to make her dessert (or something similar) while using the pan.  I assumed I could  share my thanks AND a recipe, too!   Well...let's just say what resulted could only be described as an "epic failure."  (I really wish I would have taken a photo!  You would have gotten quite a kick out of it.)   For now, this photo I took before the baking fiasco will have to do. = )

Thanks again for two wonderful blessings and my apologies for such latecoming thanks!!  = ) 

Happy Birthday Jordyn & Josh!!!

Believe it or not, these two, (my niece and nephew Josh & Jordyn), are twins!  Today, they are 12 years old!  I absolutely cannot believe it.  They are very busy and talented middle school students...Josh is an awesome cross-country runner and Jordyn is fierce on the basketball court.  Among a host of other talents and activities, both are honor roll students and members of National Junior Honor Society.  They are as different as night and day, yet both GREAT kids who are lots of fun. 

Josh & Jordyn, I love you dearly and wish you a wonderful and very special birthday!  Looking forward to celebrating with you next weekend!!!   

Christmas in March...Mittens!

Greetings friends! In my efforts to help you prepare for Christmas all year long, here is this month's ornament (just a shade late...usually the 25th of each month).  Not too long ago, I found a WONDERFUL site, "Childmade...an Idea Place."  I found scores of great ideas...one of which I chose to do for this month's ornament selection...(hold onto your hats...these are ADORABLE!) 

http://childmadetutorials.blogspot.com/2010/01/mini-mittens.html

Normally, I show you step-by-step instructions, but her tutorial in this link is sooooo well done, I'm going to instead suggest you follow her instructions.  That's exactly what I did and I had no trouble whatsoever (although mine are nowhere near as darling as hers!)  You can make them in sets... 

or make them in singles...

I'm just getting started, but I've discovered these are so much fun to make!  As you can see from the examples in her tutorial, the possibilities for decorating the mittens are endless!  Not only that, you can make a set for Christmas, and then another set to keep up all winter long!  Have fun & let me know if you give them a try.

Happy Birthday Marcia!

Someone very near and dear to my heart is celebrating a birthday today...my sister, Marcia ("Mar-see-uh").  Next to Tom, she is my closest friend...I've adored her since the very day my parents brought her home from the hospital.

Of her many gifts, I'd like to tell you a little about her heart for serving others.  She is one of the most thoughtful, caring souls I've ever known.  She's a hairdresser by occupation and just the other day, I called and asked what she was doing.  She said, "Buying flowers."  I said..."Sounds fun, what's the occassion?"  She said, "I've got a client coming in, an older woman...and today is her birthday.  I thought it would be fun to surprise her."  So very sweet, yet this is the kind of thing she does all the time!  She is constantly looking for ways to bless others.

So many times, I myself have been a recipient of her kindness. A while back, I had a nasty case of tonsilitis. The antibiotic they had given me wasn't working, so they called in something stronger. I felt absolutely horrible, but I was going to need to go out to pick up the new medication if I wanted to feel better. Well, she insisted on picking it up. When she returned, she had not only my medication, but a two kinds of soup from Panera and a slush puppie! (Did I mention this was two weeks before Christmas? And she has 5 kids?)

Last summer, when my Dad was hurt, she was positively tireless in her efforts to help both he and Mom with things that needed to be done, but always going a step farther to show an added measure of kindness, grace and thoughtfulness, too.

She absolutely adores her husband and kids, and as you can imagine, they adore her right back.  Any given day finds her running in a million directions, tending to the their needs, cheering them on, giving love, support, encouragement oh, and laughter...always lots of laughter, too.  She wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world. 

Happy Birthday Marce!  I love you so much & thank God that He made us sisters!  Hope you enjoy your day...looking forward to seeing you tonight!  ((Hugs!))

Happy Spring!!!

Greetings sweet friends!  Are you as happy as I am that Spring (at last) has officially arrived!?  While God truly speaks into every season a beauty all its own, for me personally, that is especially true of Spring.  There is something so powerfully encouraging about seeing new life spring up from places that gave no indication of its presence just a short time ago.  (Could there be a more perfect season for Easter?)  I think Spring mirrors many of us as believers.  In our Winter season, God is quietly, almost imperceptibly at work within us, yet because we feel no difference, or see no change in outward circumstances, we often find ourselves lulled into discouragement and defeat.  Then, very slowly, God begins to reveal in our Spring the beauty He's been cultivating all along.     

In a great post by a friend earlier this week, I was reminded of several of my favorite verses that speak to this very thing.  I especially love this one...

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.  The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.  Rise up, my darling!  Come away with me, my fair one!” 
~ Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Maybe you've been walking through an especially long Winter season.  Will you trust that God has been imperceptibly at work within you?  Will you reach out and take His hand today and ask Him to reveal to you a glimpse of your Spring?       

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  ~ 2 Corinthians 4:15-17

* * * * * *

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  ~ Isaiah 40:30-31

* * * * * *

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

~ Isaiah 43:18-19

He's at work dear friends, in each of us who know Him.  May you find a quiet time and place today to think on that truth.  This song shares it beautifully & powerfully...may it encourage you this day.

And the winner is...(drumroll, please)

Karen of Hallelujah Anyhow! 

It's been several months since I first "met" Karen here in blogworld.  A wife, Mom & Grandma who loves the Lord, she is a kind & wonderful encourager.   Please stop by her lovely blog and say Hello!  Once again...Congratulations Karen!!!  No doubt you'll have fun with that panini press! 

I know it may sound cheesy, but it's true...I really wish I could have given a prize to all of you!  Thank you so much for celebrating my blog birthday with me.  You really helped to make it an extra special celebration! 

May your day be blessed...

Tracy